Orioles bring back Hunter on major-league deal

The Baltimore Orioles have acquired some bullpen help in the form of an old friend, as they announced the signing of free-agent reliever Tommy Hunter to a major-league contract.

Hunter is listed on the Orioles' lineup card and will be active for Sunday's series finale at Yankee Stadium.

Hunter was signed by the Cleveland Indians in the offseason and posted a 3.74 ERA and 17 strikeouts in 21 appearances, before suffering a back injury after a fall in his house. The Indians released him last week, following a rehab assignment.

The 30-year-old returns to Baltimore, where he was a popular member of the team from 2011-15. The 30-year-old's best season in black and orange came in 2014, when he posted a 2.97 ERA and saved 11 games across 60 relief appearances in the regular season; he then didn't allow a run during the 2014 playoffs.

In 305 career appearances with the Orioles, Indians, Chicago Cubs, and Texas Rangers, Hunter owns a 4.29 ERA, 1.270 WHIP, and 440 strikeouts.

Baltimore also recalled right-hander Oliver Drake from Triple-A Norfolk, and designated outfielder Julio Borbon and left-hander T.J. McFarland for assignment in a pair of corresponding roster moves.